Path creation through branching and transfer of complementary resources: the role of established industries for new renewable energy technologies

Jens Hanson, Markus Steen (), Tyson Weaver, Håkon E. Normann and Gard H. Hansen
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Tyson Weaver: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim
Håkon E. Normann: TIK Centre, University of Oslo
Gard H. Hansen: Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim

No 20160310, Working Papers on Innovation Studies from Centre for Technology, Innovation and Culture, University of Oslo

Abstract: Building industrial capacity for new renewable energy technologies (RETs) is a central challenge in transitioning to a low-carbon economy. This article analyses how resources from established industries can contribute to new industrial path creation for RETs, by processes of path branching. We develop a theoretical framework that explores pressures and drivers of path branching and how complementary resources are mobilized from established to emerging paths. The framework is confronted with two cases in Norway that illustrate how old and new industrial paths are interlinked: (1) the energy intensive process industry and solar photovoltaics and (2) oil & gas and offshore wind power. We find that multiple resources are transferred, including knowledge, infrastructures and financial and human capital. We further suggest that processes of resource transfer are driven by the simultaneous presence of selection pressures and branching opportunities. Our findings have implications for policy making as well as theorizing sustainability transitions with regards to how established industries can provide key foundations for and inputs to emergence of new ones.

Pages: 24 pages
Date: 2016-03
New Economics Papers: this item is included in nep-ene, nep-env and nep-tid
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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